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With more than 8,000 members, the Greater Cleveland Partnership is one of the largest metropolitan chambers of commerce in the country. Learn about our work to advance economic development and improve the business climate in our city, region and state.

Every Monday -- News from GCP

It's convention week in Cleveland!

After two years of bidding, planning, execution and deep breaths, the 2016 Republican National Convention is under way here in Cleveland.

Fencing and signs are up to guide traffic, pedestrians, and parades throughout our downtown for the next week.

Meanwhile, with some adjustments, many people are planning to follow their daily routines throughout the week. To help you through the bustle of activities and people, the Cleveland 2016 Host Committee has put together some tips via its Community Update e-newsletter. They include:

Getting into and around downtown Cleveland during Convention Week will take some planning. Road closures, re-routes, parking bans and security zones are likely to alter your routine, but there are several options available to make your commute as manageable as possible.

Whether you're planning to drive, take public transportation or bike into downtown, make sure you have the most up-to-date information.Click for details.

Keep connected: Get real-time information during convention week

The Cleveland 2016 Host Committee's Social Media Command Center will operate 24/7 during the Convention to answer questions, engage the community and visitors, and share content.

To make sure you're informed at all times about community happenings, use these social channels and hashtags, alert systems, and apps to get the most up-to-date information.
For emergency community alerts, you can sign up for the City of Cleveland's notifications via CodeRED.

Have a question during the convention? Tweet it with the hashtag #AskCLE and our Command Center staff will answer it for you.

For convention updates, follow @2016CLE on Twitter,Facebook and Instagram, or search hashtag #2016CLE. If you're into Snapchatting, subscribe to cleconvention to get the latest snaps.

RNC Law Enforcement and Public Safety partnering agencies encourage members of the public, visitors, delegates, and public safety partners to share information regarding Convention security prior to and during the events by utilizing #RNCINFO on social media.

What to do during the convention: Explore related topics

If you're interested in attending events related to the Republican National Conventions, consider these options:

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is teaming up with the News Museum in Washington, D.C., to bring forth "Louder Than Words: Rock, Power and Politics," highlighting how artists used their music "to change attitudes about patriotism, peace, equality and freedom."

Public Square renovation draws national media attention

Cleveland is receiving national attention as the host city of the 2016 Republican National Convention. And this coverage is really positive.

PBS NewsHour reporter Jeffrey Brown takes an in-depth look at the $50 million renovation of Public Square. WVIZ ideastream contributed to the story.Click to watch.

Prescription drug pricing group misses deadline
for November ballot

A few weeks ago, we informed you that the Greater Cleveland Partnership is closely monitoring an issue that could have been placed on Ohio’s November ballot that would cap how much state agencies can spend on prescription drugs.

A California-based foundation—operating through a group called Ohioans for Fair Drug Pricing—called the AIDS Healthcare Foundation of Los Angeles would like to require state agencies to cap their prescription drug spending at no more than the lowest price paid by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The group had until July 6 to collect enough signatures but was unable to meet the deadline. It will shift the focus to having the measure voted on in the fall of 2017 and supporters of the effort are confident they will be able to exceed the threshold by a comfortable margin.

The GCP has not taken a formal position on the issue but will continue to analyze its potential impact on Ohio businesses and will be prepared to act on behalf of our members, if necessary.

Take the Commuter Choice Challenge

Supporting choices for commuters is a win-win. Use of alternative modes of transportation saves commuters money, relieves congestion, improves air quality, benefits health and reduces stress.

To celebrate the Year of Sustainable Transportation in 2016, NOACA and the City of Cleveland are teaming up to present the Commuter Choice Challenge. Northeast Ohio employers of all sizes are invited to participate.

Your company or organization will be eligible to win great prizes, including a Commuter Choice Award and recognition at the 2016 Sustainable Cleveland Annual Summit, which will be held Sept. 21-22.Click to learn more about the awards and how to enter the Challenge. The entry deadline is July 31.

Port open and on display during Republican National Convention

As Cleveland takes the spotlight this week for the 2016 Republican National Convention (RNC), the Port of Cleveland and its docks will remain open for business.

The Port also has added another point of artistic interest for the city as it takes center stage – the Harbor Lights public art display on silos at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River.

Although some local road traffic will be affected for security concerns, the Port will be working with law enforcement to assure that there is access to its docks at all times.

“The Port of Cleveland is excited that our community is hosting this major event, and we have worked hand-in-hand with other government and law enforcement officials to assure that business as usual continues on our docks,” said Dave Gutheil , the Port’s vice president of maritime & logistics.

“There will be some slight inconveniences for our staff, but it’s a small price to pay for the large benefit our city will see with the convention.”

Last Friday, the Port also unveiled Harbor Lights just in time for the kickoff of the convention. The public art installation features artistic LED lighting on 150-foot tall cement silos near the mouth of the Cuyahoga River and are a key part of the Port’s continuing effort to beautify Cleveland Harbor. The lights will be on display year round.

“The Port’s role as a driver of economic development for Cleveland takes on many forms, including our booming maritime services, environmental stewardship and key development finance capacity,” said Port President and CEO Will Friedman.

“We’re also passionate about creating an inviting waterfront for residents and visitors. Harbor Lights will provide a spectacular display of public art as Cleveland itself steps into the national spotlight.”

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